Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Sylvester Grigsby has become the latest victim of a sophisticated cybercrime network operating in the heart of Monrovia, duping people of thousands of United States dollars.
Using deceptive tactics, fraudsters created fake Facebook and WhatsApp accounts impersonating the minister in a scheme designed to extort money from unsuspecting individuals under the false pretense of offering job opportunities.
The Monrovia Ministerial Court has issued arrest warrants for two suspects identified as Sembeh Borhay and Cyrus Doe, who are now facing charges of theft of property and criminal conspiracy.
Authorities allege that the duo, operating as part of a larger organized crime syndicate, managed to swindle over $15,000 from numerous victims, including Deputy Public Works Minister Prince Tamba.
Minister Grigsby, who has adamantly denied any involvement with social media, stated, “I do not own any Facebook accounts. The WhatsApp account on which these fraudsters are operating is entirely fake.”
The scam unfolded when victims were contacted through the fraudulent channels, where they were promised lucrative job positions within the government. One notable case involved Deputy Minister Tamba, who was misled into believing he would soon be appointed as Minister of Public Works, a ruse that left him vulnerable to the gang’s demands for upfront fees.
The fraudsters’ operation took a turn during an ill-fated attempt to collect cash from one of their victims.
In a dramatic twist, as one of the criminals led the victim to an ATM booth, he was intercepted by law enforcement. A man who identified himself as the “driver” for the fraud mastermind was apprehended, providing authorities with crucial leads about the larger criminal enterprise.
Reports indicate that the gang used a combination of social engineering and technological manipulation to project an air of authenticity. They would meticulously craft messages mimicking the person’s style and tone, leaving their targets—who may have already been seeking employment or other opportunities or in the position to respond to distressed calls—vulnerable to their schemes.
Some citizens are demanding increased protections against cybercrime as the criminal enterprise grows.
